Martinsburg daily gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1887-1887, 1887-04-22
MEMORIAL EXERCISES.
A MEETING IN MEMORY OF THE
LATE PRESIDENT ARTHUR.

/
The Assembly Chamber, at Albany, New
York, Filled With . Large and Distin-
guished Audience of Friends and Rela-
tives of the Late President
ALBANY, N. Y, April 21-rhe exercises
in memory of the late President Arthur,
which were held in the assembly chamber
yesterday evening, attracted large and dis
tinguished audience, including most Of the
senator's and assemblymen and many offtheir
ladies, the relatives Of Mr.. Arthur including
G. A. Arthur, Jr. Miss Ellen Arthur, James
a. Masten and Arthur II. Masten, of Cohoes;
Mr.. and Mrs. J. E. McElroy, Miss May
McElroy, Miss Jesse McElroy, and Mrs.
John HI. McElroy. Among others present
were Surrogate Rollins, of New York, and
Elk United States Marshal McMichael Of
Washington. The chamber was simply
draped with the national colors A large
portrait of Mr.. Arthur was placed behind
the speakers desk.
The meeting was called to order by Sena-
tor Smith, who introduced Governor Hill as
chairman. The governor, who was warmly
applauded, responded in a few words appro-
pirate to the occasion. Addresses were then
delivered by ex-United States Attorney
General B. FL. Brewster, of Philadelphia,
who eloquently outlined the ex-presidents
exalted career; and by Hon Chauncey NJ
Depew, who paid high tribute to the char
acter and achievements of the deceased.
In the course of his address Mr.: Depew
said; ''When the end came for Con- Gar
field, Arthur entered the White house as he
had taken the oath of office-alone. A weaker
man would have succumbad, a narrower one
have seized upon the patronage and en-
deavored to build up his power by strength
ening his faction. But the lineage and train
ing of Arthur stood in this solemn and criti-
cal hour for, patriotism and manliness.
Friends, co-workers within the old lines and
associates under the old conditions looking
for opportunities, for recognition or for re-
venge, retired chastened and enlightened
from the presence of the president of the
United States. President Arthur will be
distinguished both for what he did and what
he refrained from doing. The strain and in
tensity of public feeling, the vehemence of
the angry and vindictive passions of the
time demanded the rarest of negative, as
well as positive qualities The calm and even
course of government allayed excitement
and appealed to the better Judgment of the
people. But though not aggressive or bril-
liant, his administration was sensible and
strong and admirably adjusted to the condi-
tions which created and attended it,
HE spoke vigorously for the reform and
improvement of the civil service, and when
congress-. acting upon his suggestions,
enacted the law he constructed the machin-
cry for its executions, which has since &C
complished most satisfactory though as yet
1ato I'm nunSti0nS of
and finance he met the needs of polite and
private credit and the best commercial SEN
timent Of the country. He knew the neces-
sity for efficient coast defenses and a navy
equal to the requirements of the age. He
keenly felt the weakness Of our merchant
marine and the total destruction Of the proud
position we had formerly held among the
maratime nations of the world, and did what
he could to move congress to wise and patri-
otto legislation. There has rarely been, in
the history Of popular governments, so quiet
q contrast in the public appreciation of Gen.
Arthur at the time of his inauguration and
when he retired from Office The president,
of whom little was expected and much
feared returned to private life enjoying in q
larger degree than most Of his predecessors
the profound respect and warm regard Of
the people without distinction Of party.
ale said to me early in his administration
my soul ambition is to enjoy the confidence
of my countrymen' Toward this noble ideal
he strove with unhesitating purpose. Even
in the mistakes he made could be seen his
manly struggle to do right Once again in
private station, and resuming the practice Of
his profession, he moved among his fellow
citizens, receiving the homage and recogni-
tion which came of their pride in the way he